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Detroit 2011: C-Max Hybrid, C-Max Energi Plug-In Hybrid are The Future of Fordhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/01/detroit-2011-c-max-hybrid-c-max-energi-plug-in-hybrid-are-the-future-of-ford.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/01/detroit-2011-c-max-hybrid-c-max-energi-plug-in-hybrid-are-the-future-of-ford.html#commentsMon, 10 Jan 2011 05:01:33 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=46437Detroit 2011: C-Max Hybrid, C-Max Energi Plug-In Hybrid are The Future of FordFord has just revealed two more examples of what kind of future the automaker is planning. Debuting at the Detroit Auto Show, the C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi (plug-in hybrid) clearly show the Blue Oval’s plan to expand the electrification of the vehicle, while also enforcing its position that the compact car is the way... more]]>

Ford has just revealed two more examples of what kind of future the automaker is planning. Debuting at the Detroit Auto Show, the C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi (plug-in hybrid) clearly show the Blue Oval’s plan to expand the electrification of the vehicle, while also enforcing its position that the compact car is the way of the future.

Based on the same architecture as the new 2012 Ford Focus, the C-Max Hybrid and Energi join the new C-Max MPV, as well as the Focus hatchback, sedan and Focus Electric as a part of a plan to bring to market no fewer than 10 vehicles all based on the same global platform.

Like the Focus Electric, both models get a subtle restyle (complete with Aston Martin grille), although unlike the standard C-Max, these electrified versions only provide room for five – not seven.

While Ford isn’t releasing specifics on either powertrain, both vehicles will use a lithium ion battery pack. In the Focus Hybrid it will be a part of a system similar in principle to that of the Ford Fusion Hybrid and will operate the same. However, the lighter and more powerful battery promises to deliver big advantages with Ford claiming it will be able to drive on pure electric power above the 47 mph of the Fusion Hybrid. Ford also says to expect better fuel economy than the Fusion Hybrids 41-mpg rating.

As for the C-Max Energi, it will use a lithium ion battery that can be charged by plugging-in over night, so that initially the car will run on just electric power, before it reverts to operating like a conventional hybrid. In total it will deliver a range in excess of 500 miles – more than any other plug-in or extended range vehicle.

But as with all modern Fords the technology won’t be limited to what’s under the hood. In the cockpit will be a version of the new MyFord Touch telematics system adapted for electrified vehicles with special hybrid and electric battery information. A Brake Coach will also be included, helping drivers to better take advantage of the brake regeneration system. Plus, at the end of each journey, the display screen will show info including the total trip distance, miles gained from regenerative braking and total fuel consumed.

Much like with the Focus Electric, C-Max Energi owners will be able to stay connected with their car thanks to the MyFord Mobile app. Along with expected features like being able to check the state of charge from your smartphone, it can also do some unique things: like let you know how much longer it needs to charge to reach a pre-set destination in the Nav system; find charging stations; set the car warm up or cool down using power from the grid; and even let you pre-set charging times for off-peak utility hours. (Get more on the MyFord Mobile app here).

Both the Ford C-Max Hybrid and Energi will be built at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant and will go on sale in 2012.

C-MAX Hybrid is targeted to deliver better miles per gallon than Ford Fusion Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient sedan in America

C-MAX Energi targets more than 500 miles (800 kilometers) of driving range using the battery and engine, more than any other plug-in or extended-range vehicle. It also targets AT-PZEV status and delivers better charge-sustaining fuel economy than Chevrolet Volt

detroit, Jan. 10, 2011 – Ford today revealed two next-generation hybrid vehicles – including its first production plug-in hybrid electric vehicle – at the 2011 North American International Auto Show, bringing consumers more choice, versatility and style for high-mileage family-friendly vehicles.

Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid and C-MAX Hybrid are based on the new Ford C-MAX five-passenger multi-activity vehicle, and each will offer high mileage and low emissions as well as distinctive body design and a flexible interior. The plug-in hybrid and third-generation full hybrid leverage Ford’s global C-car platform, acclaimed powersplit architecture, next-generation driver information features and advanced lithium-ion battery systems.

“C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid will be perfect for families looking to maximize their hybrid car experience,” said Nancy Gioia, Ford director of Global Electrification. “Thanks to the versatile interior, these cars are going to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers who need room to grow.”

C-MAX Hybrid is targeted to deliver better fuel economy than the 41 mpg Ford Fusion Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient sedan in America today. It builds on the success of the critically acclaimed powersplit architecture Ford uses in its current hybrids, allowing it to operate in fuel-saving electric mode beyond 47 mph.

Both the C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid models will be built alongside the all-new 2012 Ford Focus and Focus Electric at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich. The plant’s production is powered in part by one of the largest solar energy generator systems in the state. The C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid vehicles sold in Europe in 2013 will be built at Ford’s plant in Valencia, Spain, starting in 2013.

The plug-in advantage

Targeted to achieve AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) status, C-MAX Energi provides maximum fuel efficiency by pairing a high-voltage lithium-ion battery and electric traction motor with a high-efficiency Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine. This allows it to run in electric mode before using the gasoline engine

C-MAX Energi will offer more than 500 miles (800 kilometers) of overall driving range using the battery and engine – more than any other plug-in or extended-range electric vehicle. C-MAX Energi delivers better charge-sustaining fuel economy than Chevrolet Volt.

Increased use of electricity from renewable energy sources (e.g. wind and solar), where available, for vehicle recharging

“A plug-in hybrid owner may make fewer trips to the pump to refuel because of its all-electric mode capability,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford vice president of Global Product Development. “Conveniently, they’ll be able to recharge their plug-in hybrid at home overnight. And they’ll never have to think about the vehicle’s electric range, because the plug-in hybrid seamlessly shifts to fuel power when needed.”

The development of Ford’s first-ever production plug-in hybrid leverages more than 200,000 miles of road testing conducted in collaboration with a coalition of 10 utility companies, the U.S. Department of Energy, the New York State Energy Research and Development Administration and the Electric Power Research Institute.

Getting charged up

C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid will use advanced lithium-ion battery systems developed and assembled in-house by Ford in Michigan. Each system is smartly designed to maximize use of common, high-quality components, such as control board hardware that has proven field performance in Ford’s current, critically acclaimed hybrid vehicles.

Li-ion battery packs offer a number of advantages over the nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries that power today’s hybrid vehicles. In general, they are 25 to 30 percent smaller and 50 percent lighter, which makes them easier to package in a vehicle, and can be tuned to increase power to boost acceleration or to increase energy to extend driving distance.

While C-MAX Hybrid will operate much like today’s hybrid vehicles, C-MAX Energi will benefit from daily charging to maximize its all-electric range. Thanks to the efficiencies of its right-sized battery system, the plug-in hybrid easily recharges 100 percent overnight on a 120-volt outlet.

A full charge in C‑MAX Energi allows owners to increase their driving significantly in all-electric mode and drastically reduce their use of the on-board fuel engine.

On start-up, C-MAX Energi will operate in charge-depletion mode, providing electric driving range. When the battery has been depleted or certain conditions are met, it switches to charge-sustaining hybrid mode for continued optimal fuel efficiency.

Ford worked with a supplier to provide an industry-standard five-point plug for C-MAX Energi (and new Focus Electric) that is ergonomically comfortable to hold as well as durably and distinctively designed. The plug handle uses a matte-finished black rubber for a comfortable, non-slip grip and the plug head is shielded with a glossy white hard plastic to protect the electronics. The Ford Blue Oval trademark helps make the device immediately recognizable.

When the cord set connector is plugged into the vehicle’s charge port, which is located conveniently between the driver’s door and front wheel well, it activates a light ring that loops around the port twice in acknowledgement of connectivity. The light ring then illuminates in quadrants as the vehicle charges. Flashing quadrants represent charge in progress and solid-lit quadrants show stages of charge completion. When the entire ring is solidly lit, the vehicle is fully charged.

Smarter interface

C-MAX Energi owners will have access to a suite of driver information systems – on-board and off-board – designed to help them manage the recharge process, manage the most eco-friendly route on-board, remotely control their vehicle’s charge and preconditioning settings, monitor battery state of charge and maximize energy efficiency to extend use of electric mode. C-MAX Hybrid owners also will benefit from the on-board features.

Among these tools is a unique execution of MyFord Touch™ driver connect technology, especially for electrified driving. It offers exceptional configurability of vehicle information, including fuel level, battery power level, and average and instant miles per gallon.

The cluster’s new MyView feature allows drivers to access even more vehicle data such as the electrical demands of vehicle accessories, including air conditioning, which influences fuel economy and the electric driving range of the C-MAX Energi.

The Brake Coach feature helps to educate drivers to optimize their use of the regenerative brakes to recapture kinetic energy and send it back to the battery, also reducing wear on the brakes.

Long-term fuel efficiency can be displayed in two ways – either as a traditional chart or using an innovative display that shows a growing leafy vine on the right side of the cluster. The more efficient a customer is, the more lush and beautiful the leaves and vines become, creating a unique visual reward for the driver’s efforts.

To reinforce the message, at the end of each trip a display screen provides distance driven, miles gained through regenerative braking, fuel consumed (average and total) and a regenerative braking score.

New MyFord Mobile

Off-board, C-MAX Energi owners in North America can maintain constant contact with the car anywhere they have mobile phone or web access using the Ford-developed MyFord Mobile.

MyFord Mobile enables access to a secure Ford website and smartphone/feature phone app to get instant vehicle status information, perform key functions remotely, monitor the car’s state of charge and current range, get various alerts including when the vehicle requires charging, remotely program charge settings and download vehicle data for analysis.

The feature also allows the owner to program the vehicle to use electricity from the grid to heat or cool the battery and cabin while plugged in. For example, during hot summer months, owners can preprogram the car the evening before to be fully charged – and fully cooled to a particular temperature – by a certain time the following morning. Users can also locate the vehicle with GPS, remotely start the vehicle, and remotely lock and unlock the car doors.

Working with MapQuest®, MyFord Mobile can communicate charge station and other points of interest to C-MAX Energi using SYNC’s Traffic, Directions and Information (TDI) service. Turn-by-turn guidance is provided by the in-car map-based Navigation System. Drivers can also get up-to-date charging station information in their vehicle directly through SYNC TDI simply by connecting to SYNC Services.

Value charging, powered by Microsoft

Using the value charging feature, powered by Microsoft, C-MAX Energi owners in North America will be able to optimize their home’s energy use and vehicle recharging practices. Value charging allows Ford customers to reduce their electricity costs by taking advantage of off-peak or reduced rates from their utility without a complicated set-up process.

“Although C-MAX Energi owners won’t have to plug in, by doing so they’ll get the benefits of driving in electric mode for longer distances; that can mean fewer trips to the gas station and less emissions when driving,” said Sherif Marakby, director of Ford’s hybrid and electric programs. “That’s why we’ll be providing C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid owners with a user-friendly interface and tools like value charging that will help them get the most out of the vehicle’s electric mode capability.”

Proven powersplit technology

C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid build on the success of the critically acclaimed powersplit architecture Ford uses in its current hybrids, including the Ford Fusion Hybrid, winner of the 2010 MOTOR TREND Car of the Year® award.

In a powersplit hybrid, the electric motor and gasoline-powered engine can work together or separately to maximize efficiency. The engine also can operate independently of vehicle speed, charging the batteries or providing power to the wheels as needed. The motor alone can provide sufficient power to the wheels in low-speed, low-load conditions, and work with the engine at higher speeds

While this system enables the current Fusion Hybrid to operate in fuel-saving electric mode up to 47 mph, Ford is targeting higher electric operating speeds for C-MAX Hybrid and even more capability for C-MAX Energi, which will have the advantage of additional battery power.

Ford’s global C-car strategy
C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid are two of at least 10 new models or derivatives that Ford will launch around the world based on its new global C-car platform – Ford’s first truly global One Ford platform.

Ford’s new generation of C-segment vehicles will be sold in more than 120 markets and will account for more than 2 million units annually. The C-segment accounts for one in four cars sold worldwide today and, in conjunction with the B-segment, is expected to rise to 50 percent of all cars sold globally by 2013.

The all-new C-MAX lineup also introduces a number of advanced new technologies to the compact multi-activity vehicle class. More often found only on larger or more premium cars, these technologies are focused on enhanced comfort, safety and sustainability, including the availability of new and powerful, yet highly fuel-efficient, low-CO2 Ford EcoBoost™ gas engines.

The previous European C-MAX established a reputation for providing a balance of enjoyable driving dynamics and impressive comfort. The all-new model is set to take that performance to a new level, giving drivers a class-leading combination of responsive, sporty handling and overall refinement approaching the standards usually associated with larger, luxury vehicles.

C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid are two of five electrified vehicles that Ford will bring to the North American market during the next two years. In addition, the Ford Transit Connect Electric small commercial van, built in collaboration with Azure Dynamics, began initial production at the end of 2010, and Focus Electric will launch in late 2011. A second next-generation hybrid electric vehicle will be announced later and available in North America and Europe in 2012.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/01/detroit-2011-c-max-hybrid-c-max-energi-plug-in-hybrid-are-the-future-of-ford.html/feed1more]]>Ford C-Max Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid Confirmed for Europehttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2010/05/ford-c-max-hybrid-plug-in-hybrid-confirmed-for-europe.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2010/05/ford-c-max-hybrid-plug-in-hybrid-confirmed-for-europe.html#respondMon, 10 May 2010 23:27:10 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=19810Ford C-Max Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid Confirmed for EuropeFord has just announced that it will introduce both a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid version of its new C-Max model for Europe. Based on the new Focus platform, both models will be built at Ford’s plant in Valencia, Spain and sold exclusively in Europe. A larger version of this tall hatchback/wagon, called the Grand... more]]>

Ford has just announced that it will introduce both a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid version of its new C-Max model for Europe. Based on the new Focus platform, both models will be built at Ford’s plant in Valencia, Spain and sold exclusively in Europe. A larger version of this tall hatchback/wagon, called the Grand C-Max, will be offered in North America as well – although there are no plans for a hybrid Grand C-Max yet.

There’s no word on what sort of hybrid powerplant the C-Max will use, but Ford has said the C-Max will also be the first model to use the company’s new 1.6-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder. While it is possible that Ford could build an EcoBoost hybrid, it seems too complex an engine for a lower-budged compact model like the C-Max.

Ford hasn’t commented on an all-electric C-Max model, but with an electric Focus planned, a C-Max EV wouldn’t be much of a surprise.

Official release after the jump:

FORD TO BUILD ITS FIRST HYBRID ELECTRIC MODELS FOR EUROPEAN CUSTOMERS

New Ford C-MAX and new Ford Grand C-MAX 2010

* Ford’s Valencia Plant in Spain will build the company’s first hybrid vehicles for European customers
* Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) derivatives of the all-new Ford C-MAX to launch in Europe in 2013
* Total investment in the C-MAX program is almost $410 million (over €300 million), of which up to $36 million (around €27 million) is for the HEV and PHEV programmes
* The Spanish government and the Valencia regional administration will provide the highest grant assistance for the C-MAX PHEV and HEV programmes in line with European Union requirements
* The HEV and PHEV C-MAX models are part of Ford’s global electrified vehicle plan under which five Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) and Hybrid models will be introduced for European customers by 2013
* Ford’s Valencia Plant also to build the seven-seat version of the C-MAX for export to North America beginning in late 2011

VALENCIA, Spain, May 10, 2010 – Ford’s Valencia plant in Spain will build the company’s first hybrid models for European customers with two advanced technology derivatives of the all-new five-seat Ford C-MAX compact multi-activity model to be launched in 2013 – a full Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), and a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV).

Valencia was confirmed in 2009 as the European single source for all versions of the
all-new Ford C-MAX and Grand C-MAX which launch later this year, and which feature a range of highly efficient new Ford EcoBoost petrol and Duratorq TDCi diesel engines.

As part of the company’s global sourcing strategy, the Valencia Plant also will produce the seven-seat version of the C-MAX for export to North America beginning in late 2011.

“The Hybrid Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Electric derivatives of the all-new Ford
C-MAX are great news for the Valencia plant and region, for Spain, and for Ford customers across Europe. These new advanced technology models are key to Ford’s commitment to delivering a portfolio of alternative powertrain vehicles globally and to European customers in the next few years,” said John Fleming, Chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe and executive vice president of Global Manufacturing and Labour Affairs.

John Fleming was speaking at a ceremony to mark the HEV and PHEV C-MAX announcement in the city of Valencia. He was joined by Spain’s Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Señor Miguel Sebastián Gascón, and by Señor Francisco Camps Ortiz, President of the Generalitat Velenciana, the Valencia regional administration.

“Our Valencia Plant here in Spain will build these new C-MAX five-seat hybrid models exclusively for European customers seeking a practical, efficient and affordable environmental vehicle, while the export to North America of the new Grand C-MAX petrol model beginning in late 2011 opens a new era of production for the team at the plant,” Fleming added.

Investing in Valencia
Total investment in the new Ford C-MAX programme in Spain over the next three years, including the hybrid models, is almost $410 million (over €300 million). Investment in the hybrid programmes is expected to be up to $36 million (around €27 million). The Spanish government and Valencia regional administration are providing the highest grant support in line with European Union requirements. The exact amount of this support will be determined at a later date.

“I want to thank the Spanish government and the Valencia regional administration for their outstanding assistance in supporting the C-MAX programme in Spain and, in particular, for helping to turn our hybrid vehicles plan into reality. Their support means that customers in Spain and around Europe will soon be driving the all-new C-MAX later in 2010, and from 2013 will be able to choose from Ford’s first hybrid models to be launched in this region of the world,” said Fleming.

The programme supports the Spanish government and Valencia regional administration’s goal of establishing Spain and the Valencia region as important centres for advanced research and development in environmental engineering.

A Choice of Hybrids
Ford Motor Company has significant experience with hybrid vehicles in North America, and will now extend this expertise to Europe as part of the company’s aggressive global electrified vehicles strategy.

The reason for building both full Hybrid Electric Vehicle and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle versions of the five-seat Ford C-MAX is to provide customers with greater choice to suit their specific driving and living environments.

Full HEVs charge their electric batteries through the use of the small displacement internal combustion engine along with energy recapture through the regenerative brake system, whereas PHEVs have the ability to also recharge their electric batteries through an external source, such as a conventional electric power socket.

“The extra benefit of being able to additionally recharge your batteries at home or other parking location means that PHEVs might better suit those customers who do the majority of their driving in city and other urban environments where electric battery power is the preferred powertrain alternative,” commented Fleming.

Ford’s Electrification Commitment
Today’s announcement forms part of Ford’s commitment to extend its global electrified vehicles strategy and introduce five Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) and Hybrid models in Europe by 2013. The C-MAX HEV and PHEV models will join the full battery-electric Ford Transit Connect, already announced for 2011, and a battery-electric derivative of the next-generation Ford Focus, due in 2012. The fifth vehicle will also be a hybrid-electric model and will be announced at a later time.

“Ford is a leader today in Europe when it comes to offering customers efficient and affordable environmental technologies, such as our ECOnetic range of ultra-low CO2 diesel-powered vehicles and our new EcoBoost advanced petrol engine range.

“The five alternative powertrains we will introduce by 2013 – including the new HEV and PHEV C-MAX models we are confirming today – strengthen our ongoing commitment to providing customers with access to significant fuel economy improvements and reduced CO2 emissions to meet their functional needs and without compromising their driving experience,” said Fleming.

Ford’s Global C-Car Strategy and the All-New Ford C-MAX
The new five-seat Ford C-MAX and seven-seat Grand C-MAX models are the first of at least ten new models or derivatives that the company will launch around the world based on its new global C-segment platform – Ford’s first truly ONE Ford platform.

Ford’s new generation of C-segment vehicles will be sold in more than 120 markets and will account for more than two million units annually. The C-segment accounts for one-in-four cars sold worldwide today and, in conjunction with the B-segment, is expected to rise to 50 per cent of all cars sold globally by 2013.

With the new C-MAX family of models, Ford’s C-segment MAV customers will now have a choice of two alternative and distinctive models – the sporty five-seat C-MAX or the spacious seven-seat Grand C-MAX, which features twin sliding doors and innovative seat design for outstanding space and flexibility.

This all-new Ford C-MAX range also introduces a number of advanced new technologies to the compact MAV class. More often found only on larger or more premium cars, these technologies are focused on enhanced comfort, safety and sustainability, including the availability of new and powerful yet highly fuel-efficient low-CO2 Ford EcoBoost petrol engines.

The previous C-MAX model quickly established a reputation for providing a fine balance of enjoyable driving dynamics and impressive comfort. The all-new model is set to take that performance to a new level, giving drivers a class-leading combination of responsive, sporty handling, and overall refinement approaching the standards usually associated with larger, luxury vehicles.

The new C-MAX and Grand C-MAX models go on sale across Europe during the second half of 2010, while the seven-seat version of the C-MAX model for North America will go into production in Valencia in late 2011.